obstacle

noun ob-STAH-kluh Rare

Origin: Latin obstaculum (something standing in the way).

Also means

hurdle

Usage Note

Obstacle is masculine and is used both literally (a physical barrier) and figuratively (a difficulty to overcome). Course d'obstacles is an obstacle course. The verb faire obstacle à means 'to stand in the way of' something.

Examples

"Rien ne peut être un obstacle à sa volonté."

Natural Translation

Nothing can be an obstacle to his will.

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